Maybe the timing of Chet Holmgren’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup, on the morning of NBA trade deadline day, was coincidental. Maybe it wasn’t.

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced they have signed Ajay Mitchell to a standard deal. He was previously on a two-way contract for the first half of the season. It's reportedly a two-year, $6 million contract.

Considering all that, it shouldn't be a shocker to see the Thunder make minimal moves at the NBA trade deadline. Sam Presti made a handful of roster changes, but those were on the margins. OKC will ride out with the squad that's led it to its cushy first-place lead.

As the NBA trade deadline nears, the Oklahoma City Thunder should focus on touching up the corners — if that. No need to fundamentally change the painting. The Thunder have been the league's best team this season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the very best team in the Western Conference and one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals, and they amassed a 40-9 record largely without their second-best player, Chet Holmgren.

OKC’s best move at the 2 p.m. Thursday NBA trade deadline is to stand pat. Double down on continuity as a counter punch to the wave of changes.

The OKC Thunder host the Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference showdown while KD anticipates playing elsewhere.